Pkrevenue.com

Category: Budget

This is parent category of budgets presented by Pakistan government. Here you will find year-wise federal and provincial budgets.

  • FBR suggested to abolish tax refund culture

    FBR suggested to abolish tax refund culture

    KARACHI: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has been suggested to abolish tax refund culture and bring down sales tax at five percent.

    Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) in its proposals for budget 2020/2021 suggested that the culture of refunds should be abolished and government should collect GST at the rate of 5 percent.

    “It will transfer the benefits to the end consumers which lead the control over inflation and poverty and enhancement in economic activities,” the FPCCI said.

    The apex trade body said that the reduction in the rate of sales tax will enlarge the size of consumer markets and government earnings will definitely increase.

    It will transfer the benefits to the end consumers which lead the control over inflation and poverty and enhancement in economic activities.

    The FPCCI highlighted the present structure of taxation policies in Pakistan.

    Here, it is noteworthy that inducement of private investment particularly foreign direct investment is the only feasible option to develop the badly deteriorated infrastructure in Pakistan.

    Greenfield investment and capitalization of the savings of expatriate Pakistanis are also included in this program.

    FPCCI proposed fiscal policy, while revival strategy will be based on foreign investment. It is unfortunate that tax rates in Pakistan are considered as major hurdle in investment.

    Tax and contribution as percentage of Gross profit is 33.9 percent in Pakistan, while it is 49.7 percent in India, 38.7 percent in Malaysia, 36.6 percent in USA, and 33.4 percent in Bangladesh.

    The average tax rate on corporate sector in Pakistan is 29 percent; it is 25 percent in India, 24 percent in Malaysia, and 21 percent in USA.

    It is important to note that tax system in Pakistan emphasizes on indirect taxes and surcharges. The share of direct taxes in government revenue is around 37 percent in Pakistan, 47 percent in India, 46 percent in Malaysia, 38 percent in UK and 50 percent only in USA.

    The lower share of direct taxes is because of exemptions and less e orts for tax collections from agriculture, services, real estates and retail trading activities.

    This situation leads to dependency on indirect taxes. The indirect taxes hampered the industry in many ways: they increase the cost of production and reduce the demand for manufacturing products, because of higher market prices of those products by inclusion of sales tax. By such a manner, they damage the industrial competitiveness and induce the inflation in economy.

    The FPCCI has recommended the shifting of dependency from indirect to direct taxes. We strongly recommend the reduction rate of sales tax to provide relief to the general public.

    This step will improve the buying power of general public and will help the industry in revival process and accelerate the investment in the country.

    It is extremely important for the survival of Pakistan economy at this stage. The reduction in the rate of GST is proposed on the basis of expected enhancement in revenue because of enhanced economic activities.

    To increase its revenue government should not depend on indirect taxation. This approach leads the poverty and inflation. We should encourage revenue enhancement through direct taxation on equity and egalitarian basis.

    Tax should be paid according to the magnitude of earning regardless the source of earning.

    To accelerate economic activities and improving efficiencies, the FPCCI suggests reduction in the rate of GST.

    This is the pivotal point of our taxation policy. A solution of containing the ongoing unsettled business environment is imperative. The present ongoing conflicts and contradictions has reduced the sales and as well as have chocked the sales points and agents of sales. The re-initiation efforts of FPCCI towards saleable policy objective of fixed sales system may find a substitute of settlement of ongoing disputed business environment.

    The reduction in the rate of sales tax will enlarge the size of consumer markets and government earnings will definitely increase. The sources of FBR have been indicating the effective tax rate of GST is less than 5 percent, which indicate that 71 percent of total collection of sales tax has to pay back in account of input adjustment and refund claims.

    The FPCCI in 2014 took-up a subject of fixed sales tax regime, which attended the influence level and even the then Finance Minister conceded to consider the same during his tenor as the document, submitted by FPCCI, concluded towards the objective that the collection would increase and not decrease by promoting business conducting environment through fixed sales tax regime.

    This will provide demand supported production environment for manufacturing. It will improve the collections and settle the disputed business environment.

  • FPCCI suggests measures to boost exports

    FPCCI suggests measures to boost exports

    KARACHI: Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has suggested measures to boost exports of the country.

    The apex trade body in its proposals for budget 2020/2021 suggested measures to improve exports.

    The FPCCI said that if the proposals are implemented that those would create domestic demand suppression to promote investment– both local and foreign in exporting sector.

    The apex trade body suggested following measures to improve exports:

    i. Pakistan should formulate strategies to decrease dependence on traditional exports like textiles, leather, carpet, sports goods, stainless steel, surgical goods rice etc. There needs a shift in the composition of its exports that means promoting exports of high/ medium technology products whose participation in the world trade is increasing.

    ii. Either Zero rated or on reduced rate (say) 6 percent or 9 percent should be allowed on all inputs of five export sectors including the Packaging materials or refunds claims be paid within the stipulated time period.

    iii. To make Pakistan’s exports competitive in the international market, the exports be allowed 50 percent air freight subsidy from EDF.

    iv. Support from the government should be provided to establish Showrooms and warehouses and exhibition areas in mega departmental stores.

    v. Warehouses be established at borders of neighboring countries.

    vi. Land routes to the neighboring countries (Iran & Afghanistan) should be strictly controlled to stop smuggling.

    vii. The prevailing non-tariff barriers have restrained the volume of Pakistan’s exports to China and EU. Pakistani exporters are facing non-tariff barriers in safety and quality standards under the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement. Sanitary and phytosanitary measures apply to trading commodities.

    viii. The importance of research cannot be neglected in today’s fast-changing world. Especially in high technology products, the need for research and development is to a greater extent. It will make the government more efficient in terms of production up-gradation and opportunities that arise from increasing technological export base. The relations between research institutions and the firms should be established and firmed.

    ix. All steps including increase in acreage under cotton crop, quality seed development and removal of weeds and eliminating of insects need to be adopted in this connection.

    x. To enhance the subsidized credit for exporters on higher interest rates.

    xi. To lower the imports tariff rates on the basis of cascading allowing effective protection rate to local industries – import substitution and export oriented – as per WTO agreement.

    xii. To enhance credit limit to SMEs to encourage the value chain of exports.

    xiii. There is a need of improving the export strategy to ensure sustainable growth and the role of fiscal responsibility to avoid recurrent external account crises.

    xiv. There is also a need of shifting from inward orientation to an outward looking economy as it puts a greater emphasis on exports to achieve high and sustainable growth. Moreover, different contours of an export oriented strategy that Pakistan should adopt in order to remain competitive in international market especially with regards to countries like India and Bangladesh.

    xv. Pakistan needs to penetrate the global synthetic products market which have overtaken cotton as synthetic / MMF, particularly polyester fibre (PSF) has substantially replaced cotton based fibre production. But Pakistan still lag behind MMF based production as a result is limiting itself to only some products.

  • FBR suggested to issue exempt list of persons not required to pay withholding tax

    FBR suggested to issue exempt list of persons not required to pay withholding tax

    KARACHI: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has been urged to issue a separate list of exempt list of persons who do not require to pay withholding tax as mentioned in Section 100BA and Tenth Schedule of Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.

    (more…)
  • FED on locally manufactured vehicles proposed to be withdrawn

    FED on locally manufactured vehicles proposed to be withdrawn

    KARACHI: Local automobile manufacturers have urged the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to withdraw federal excise duty, which will help in rationalizing prices in domestic market.

    Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) in its proposals for budget 2020/2021 said that the Finance Act, 2019 revised FED on all categories of locally manufactured motor vehicle (Motor car & SUVs, 8703 category) as follows:

    VehiclesFED
    Up to 3 to 1000CC2.5 percent
    1001CC to 2000CC5 percent
    2000CC and above7.5 percent

    The OICCI said that this had resulted in significant increase of the sales price of the vehicles with consequential reduction in sales volume of the respective vehicle categories.

    The OICCI recommended that levy of FED on locally manufactured vehicles should be withdrawn by deleting the Serial No. 55B of Table I of First Schedule to the Federal Excise Act, 2005.

    The OICCI also suggested changes in advance income tax collected on various engine capacity.

    Currently, as per table under Division VII of Part IV of First Schedule, following advance tax under section 231 B is collected by manufacturers on the following categories of vehicles:

    Engine CapacityTax
    1001CC to 1300CCRs25,000
    1301CC to 1600CCRs50,000

    The OICCI said that presently most of the locally manufactured sedans passenger cars fall slightly above the 1300CC categories which includes Honda City (1339CC) etc. This slightly higher engine capacity size results in these vehicles falling in higher tax bracket making it more expensive with higher upfront cost to customers.

    The OICCI recommended that amendment should be made in the categories of vehicles mentioned in Division VII of Part IV of First Schedule as follows:

    Engine CapacityTax
    1001CC to 1350CCRs25,000
    1351CC to 1600CCRs50,000

    The OICCI highlighted levy of additional customs duty (ACD). It said that ACD was levied through SRO 1178(I)/2015 on various items, including raw materials at one percent which was enhanced to two percent through SRO 630(I)/2018. Through SRO 670(I)/2019, levy of ACD was further enhanced and slab wise ACD was introduced as follows:

    Tariff SlabAdditional Customs Duty
    Tariff Slab of 0%, 3% and 11%2%
    Tariff slab of 16%4%
    20% and higher7%

    The OICCI proposed to exempt imports under SRO 655(I)/2006 & SRO 656(I)/2006 from ACD.

  • Exemption on agriculture income should be withdrawn

    Exemption on agriculture income should be withdrawn

    KARACHI: Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) has suggested that exemption on agriculture income should be withdrawn and bring all income into tax net.

    The OICCI in its proposals for budget 2020/2021, recommended withdrawal of exemption of agriculture income and also proposed amending Section 41 of Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.

    The OICCI said that the GDP includes some sectors which are exempt from income tax. The biggest exempted sector is agriculture which does not make any contribution to the national exchequer, despite the fact that over 65 percent of Pakistan’s population is directly or indirectly linked with the agricultural sector.

    The original rationale of keeping agriculture out of tax net was to facilitate the small agriculturists.

    However due to non-implementation of land reforms the benefit of the tax exemption is being availed by big landowners earning huge incomes.

    Unscrupulous elements also transfer their income and wealth to businesses fronting as agriculture sector.
    The OICCI recommended:

    i. Exemption given to agriculture income should be withdrawn and agriculturists should file income tax returns and wealth statements.

    ii. Suitable provisions should be incorporated in Income Tax Ordinance 2001 to enable tax authorities to implement the requirement of filing of income tax returns and wealth statements, effectively.

    iii. All incomes should be taxed and as a general rule exemptions be given only for attracting FDI and for under privileged and poor sections of society or, in exceptional circumstances, as motivation to encourage the registration of individuals and all legal entities.

  • Bearer bonds, certificates should be stopped to prevent tax evasion

    Bearer bonds, certificates should be stopped to prevent tax evasion

    KARACHI: The government has been recommended to stop all kind of bearer certificates, bonds and other instruments in order to eliminate parking lots for untaxed funds.

    Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) in its proposals for budget 2020/2021 recommended measures to eliminate legally permissible parking lots for untaxed funds.

    The OICCI said that bearer certificates, bonds and other instruments lead to tax evasion.

    Therefore, sale of all kinds of bearer securities, prize bonds, and other such items should be stopped.

    The OICCI further said that despite the revision of real estate values there is still a lot of difference between actual market value and various ‘official’ values of real estate across the country.

    It is proposed that shortcomings in the mode and manner of valuation of immovable properties to be addressed. Registration of sale and purchase of real estate should be on fair market value at the time of the transaction. Necessary information on market value of real estate can be easily obtained.

    In order to broaden the tax base, the OICCI also suggested introduction of books of account and cash registers.

    It said that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) does not have any proper shop-wise record of approximately 35 million SMEs, which are mostly sole proprietorship or partnerships, despite the fact that jurisdictions within the tax offices are location centric, especially for small and medium sized businesses.

    The OICCI recommended:

    i. It should be made mandatory for all businesses to maintain books of account and taxes should be levied on ‘net income’ basis only.

    ii. Registration of all retail outlets and electronic cash registers should be made mandatory without any turnover thresholds, which gives rise to tax evasion. The

    iii. installation of these registers should be inspected regularly by tax inspectors.

    iv. FBR should engage with representatives of small manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers and ensure their buy-in for introduction of these documentation measures so that the previous back-tracking on these actions is not repeated.

    v. The book keeping requirements/ outline be regularly upgraded considering the best practices learnt from other neighboring countries in the region with similar business infrastructure.

  • Return, wealth statement be made mandatory for Rs2 million turnover in banking system

    Return, wealth statement be made mandatory for Rs2 million turnover in banking system

    KARACHI: Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) has suggested that persons having annual turnover of Rs2 million through bank accounts should require filing annual returns and wealth statement.

    The OICCI in its proposals for budget 2020/2020, said that Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) should devise a framework to ensure all customers of financial institutions whose account shows turnover in excess of Rs2 million or more during the year, have filed a tax return and wealth statement.

    “This could be done by the financial institutions simply notifying names/ CNIC numbers of such customers to FBR without giving access to bank accounts,” the OICCI added.

    The OICCI recommended the following for broadening of tax base:

    FBR should urgently implement the recommendations of the Tax Reforms Commission (TRC) and also hold regular round table conferences with leading tax and legal experts to review existing laws for increasing the number of tax payers and taxable entities.

    Tax authorities should use technology, data analytics including Artificial Intelligence tools and make better/effective utilization of NADRA database and other documented sources to ensure that all income earners are NTN holders and “Filers”, with submission of annual income tax/ wealth returns and wealth reconciliation statements.

    Art exhibition halls, hospitals where doctors practice, hotels and other public places holding large receptions for fashion houses & designers, sale of branded/designer dresses, airlines, travel agencies, etc should provide names and addresses of the respective persons involved in these business activities to the FBR on a quarterly basis.

    Once the FBR receives the above information, it should be pro-active and pursue potential tax payers by sending them income tax return forms requiring them to file tax returns – rather than waiting for the tax returns to be filed.

    ‘The Protection of Economic Reforms Act, 1992” which has been amended in 2018, should be further reviewed to curb the practice of remitting undeclared income through unofficial channels outside Pakistan and the same being brought into Pakistan through banking channels in Foreign Exchange, thereby “whitening” the unexplained money at a minimal cost.

    Section 111(4) of ITO 2001, which has also been amended in 2018, should be further reviewed to restrict tax free inward foreign remittances to immediate family members only.

    Eliminate culture of Amnesty Schemes as it discourages the honest tax payers. viii. Severe, and visible, penalties should be levied to punish tax evaders, starting with evasions of over Rs 1 million.

    As Pakistan is a signatory to the OECD Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, which became operational from September 2018, regular coordination should be done with relevant authorities of countries, considered as tax heavens for stashing away illegal wealth, for information sharing.

    Appropriate laws should be made to enable the government to seize local assets, in equivalent value, or levy appropriate taxes, if any person holds any kind of assets outside the country for which source of income could not be established.

  • Independent appellate recommended to boost taxpayers’ confidence

    Independent appellate recommended to boost taxpayers’ confidence

    KARACHI: Business community has recommended to establish an independent tax appellate system in the country to boost taxpayers’ confidence and discourage irrational assessments.

    Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) in its budget proposals for fiscal year 2020/2021 recommended to establish the independent tax appellate system to boost taxpayer’s confidence and discourage irrational assessments by the tax authority driven by revenue collection targets.

    Due to immense delays in conclusion of disputes by the appellate authorities and fear of financial exposure arising from recovery proceedings by FBR, taxpayers have to resort to the High court to cover their financial exposure.

    The first appellate authority Commissioner Appeals come under the direct administrative control of FBR whereas the second appellate authority Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue comes under the administrative control of the Ministry of Law.

    There is a need of major reforms in the tax appellate process to expedite resolution and ensure fairness in the process.

    The OICCI recommended:

    i. Tax appellate forums should come under the direct supervision of High courts and should be independent of FBR.

    ii. Professional Tax adjudicators should be appointed in the process with clear tasks of rapid disposal of cases.

    iii. Recovery proceedings should not be initiated until tax assessments have passed at least one independent forum.

    iv. Decision should be made within 60 days of the filing of the response.

  • Various tax laws discouraging investment: PBC

    Various tax laws discouraging investment: PBC

    KARACHI: Pakistan Business Council (PBC) has detected that various tax laws are discouraging investment in the country. The council recommended measures for promoting industrialization, growth and job creation.

    The PBC in proposals for budget 2020/2021 said that at present, new local/foreign investors are reluctant to invest in manufacturing industry of Pakistan due to various impediments including collection of sales tax (10 percent upfront plus 3 percent minimum value addition plus 7 percent Postdated cheques) and income tax 5.5 percent at import of plant and machinery/ spare parts in addition to various other taxes and levies thereafter.

    The PBC proposed new entry number 1(viii) be inserted in column number 2 of the Table specifying rate of tax at import stage as given in Part-II of the 1st Schedule to the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 as follows:

    “(viii) industrial undertakings importing Plant and Machinery and spare parts”

    The PBC further said that the current rate of minimum tax is 1.5 percent, this tax on turnover is impacting the sustainability of industries especially in the light of current crises.

    The provision under which the minimum turnover tax is charged, both for manufacturing and services sectors should be suspended for at least the next two financial years.

    As income of SEZ entity (Zone Enterprise or operator) is exempt from income tax for a period of 10 years, there should not be any withholding of Income tax at source at any stage for Zone Enterprises and under any provisions of ITO till such time exemption is available to the Zone Enterprise.

    However currently exemption is not granted under Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 Section 113, 147, 148, 153, 236K, 236W etc., from collection of income tax.

    Since income of Zone enterprise is exempt from income tax under clause 126E, it is proposed that exemption be granted to Zone enterprises and operators from all withholding and tax collection provisions as these will lead to refunds.

    The PBC recommended necessary insertion be made in clause 11A of Part IV of the Fourth schedule to the Income Tax Ordinance to exempt Zone operator and Entity from minimum tax under section 113.

    Import of raw material by Export Oriented sector is subject to income tax withholding of 1 percent whereas on the other hand, import of Plant & Machinery by these sectors is subject to 5.5 percent income tax withholding.

    Entry no. 1(iv) in column number 2 of the Table specifying rate of tax at import stage as given in Part-II of the 1st Schedule to the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 be amended as follows:

    “Manufacturers covered under Notification No. S.R.O. 1125(I)/2011 dated the 31st December, 2011 and importing items covered under S.R.O. 1125(I)/2011 dated the 31st December, 2011, Plant & Machinery and Spare parts;”

    Greenfield Industries –

    Through the Tax Laws (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2019, the term Greenfield industries has been defined in the Income Tax and Sales Tax laws to make it identical to “Pioneer Industry”.

    Therefore it is recommended: “Delete condition no. “(iv)” of the definition of Greenfield industry to make it distinct from Pioneer industry, otherwise the purpose of growth through investment would not be achieved.”

  • Integration of federal, provincial sales tax returns suggested

    Integration of federal, provincial sales tax returns suggested

    KARACHI: Businesses have suggested the tax authorities for integration of tax laws for filing unified tax returns for sales tax in order to facilitate taxpayers, who are operating more than one jurisdiction.

    Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) in its proposals for budget 2020/2021 said that presently tax collection/ administration has been split between various authorities at Federal/Provincial level and even small size taxpayers have to deal with more than one tax collecting authority.

    Tax compliances for businesses has increased after 18th amendment which has also deteriorated Pakistan’s rating in terms of paying taxes over the years.

    While the tax policies will be developed at provincial and Federal level separately, steps should be taken to ensure tax administration and collection through one authority.

    This will provide a holistic view to the tax authority on the tax matters whereas simplify the compliance process for taxpayers as well.

    The OICCI recommended:

    i. Integration of tax data should be ensured at all levels through one return including Federal and Provincial, STRIVE should be implemented at provincial level also and FBR should allow integration with Federal return.

    ii. Departure from VAT mode of taxation should be discouraged at all levels. Give examples of ‘not VAT taxation’

    iii. FBR IT/Data integration system should be upgraded and all taxes withheld should be auto populated in the portal to the credit of the beneficiary. This will simplify;

    a) The reconciliations carried out at the taxpayer’s / FBR’s level,

    b) Simplify the tax return submission process.

    c) Enhance system based auditing capability of FBR while providing opportunity of self-verification to the beneficiaries and quick tracking of the in-actives.

    The data is already available with FBR and it just needs to be available to taxpayers with an up gradation of the system.

    The OICCI also suggested following for coordination between federal and provincial legislations:

    i. Synchronization of Sales tax rates and policies need to be harmonized across all jurisdiction and sectors and should be closely aligned with the regional benchmark of 12 percent sales tax rate.

    ii. The Federal WWF & WPPF law should be updated based on the recent apex court’s judgments, provincial enactments and current minimum wage levels. Currently neither the FBR nor the provincial revenue authorities, like PRA, SRB, are receiving the complete revenue stream under these heads.

    a. Sections 60A and 60B should appropriately be amended to allow deduction against provincial laws of WWF and WPPF.

    b. Clarity should be inserted in respective laws regarding the basis of allocation of WWF/WPPF charge where the taxpayer is having industrial establishment in more than one province.

    iii. One authority to collect all types of federal and provincial taxes for onward transmission to respective revenue authorities within the country without burdening the business entities. Single sales tax return should be filed with FBR instead of separate sales tax returns for each Province.

    iv. The provincial taxes should be consolidated specially the labor levies e.g. EOBI/SESSI/WPPF/WWF as mentioned above.

    v. Controversies arising as to jurisdiction of authority to charge and collect tax on certain services should be resolved.

    vi. Special attention be given to tax implication arising on emerging e-business models and asset-free web service providers who act as coordinator between supplier and buyer. Mechanism for sales tax and income tax application for such models should be in place to promote the industry.